Just Having AEDs is Not Good Enough

Just having Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in schools and other public facilities is not good enough.  These life saving devices are useless if people don't know where they are located, how to use them or can't access them when needed.

• Placement of AED should be in a publicly accessible area (NOT locked drawer, closet or office)
• Identify AED with 3-D sign so that it is visible from multiple angles 
• Awareness of faculty, staff, students and parents that your facility is equipped with AED(s) and where they are located through announcements at PTA or SAC meetings, during sporting events, newsletter and website
• Register AED with your County EMS - Medical Director. Click here Orange County AED Registration Form
• Implement AED Drill; it's a good way of testing the efficacy of your emergency plan (contact SYH for more information)
• Track and maintain AED to ensure it will be operational when and if needed (exact location, serial #, expiration date of electrodes/pads and battery, any updates to AED, such as 2005 AHA Guidelines)

A new and revolutionary three-part PBS series from award-winning filmaker David Grubin that closely examines how the heart works and the extraordinary new ways we diagnose, treat and prevent heart disease using cutting edge science and technology.

• "Endlessly Beating" airs on 10/15 at 9:00 pm ET 
• "The Spark of Life" airs on 10/15 at 10:00 pm ET
• "The Silent Killer" airs on 10/22 at 9:00 pm ET

Our Mission

Advocate education and awareness programs about sudden cardiac arrest in children and young adults.      

Properly place automated external defibrillators in Florida schools and other places where youth regularly congregate.  

Encourage and facilitate CPR/AED education.   

Upcoming Events

It seems that we can't go to the corner store or sporting event without advertisements for energy drinks staring us down.  Monster, Hype, Rockstar, Sobe Adrenaline Rush, Red Bull, AMP, Venom, Full Throttle, Killer Buzz, Pimp Juice and Banned by the Man (previously known as Cocaine) are just a few of the hundreds of so called energy drinks that are luring teens and young adults with claims to give a boost in energy and endurance, raising alertness, speeding up metabolism and a legal "high".  What's behind these claims?  Although the makers of energy drinks hype mixtures of vitamins, minerals and tropical/herbal extracts (i.e., ginseng, gingko and guarana), the main ingredient is caffeine.

Although many parents would not allow their young children to drink coffee or tea, many are not aware of the quantity of caffeine in these drinks.

Please make sure that you know what your child drinks in between meals and when he/she works out or plays sports.  Encourage children to drink plenty of water before and after physical activity.